How much will I have to pay?

Don't forget that if the problem affects the public sewer, you will not need to pay for clearance or repair. Contact your water supplier so that they can take appropriate action.

• unblocking/clearance work, including water jetting and rodding work is generally charged by the hour. Expect a rate of £40 per hour or more.
• a CCTV survey and written report will cost around £120, more for a property with several manholes. Drain surveys are a similar cost.
• annual emptying of a septic tank costs around £80, while cesspits cost as much as £300 per month as they require a higher volume of waste to be pumped out.

Remember that if you are unable or unwilling to rectify problems relating to a private sewer, your local authority may be forced to address the issue on environmental health grounds. You will be left to pick up the tab!

How do I find a good service provider?

There is no specific industry body or accreditation scheme for drain and sewer clearance. However, a listing on the Utilities Vendor Database (UVDB) is a good indication of professionalism. The database is used by over 50 utility companies to source and pre-qualify suppliers. Another good indicator is membership of the Water Jetting Association, an organisation which sets out guidelines for safe working in its code of practice. You can view the list of members on www.waterjetting.org.uk.

Some general tips when choosing a drain and sewerage clearance contractor:

• ask for a free assessment before committing
• check what is included in your quote - how comprehensive is the service? A fixed price may be a better option than a more open-ended pay-per-hour agreement.
• ask for details of training and the experience of staff. Does the company have a written H&S policy and safe working procedures?
• is the company contactable 24 hours a day? This can be reassuring if you have a drain emergency!

Useful resources

If you don't know which company supplies your sewerage services, check the boundary map produced by OFWAT. A listing of all the UK water companies can be found on www.water-guide.org.uk.